Fringe Common Rooms

Accessibility

Fringe Common Rooms is for Everyone.

Melbourne Fringe is committed to access and inclusion for all people. We believe in the Social Model of Disability, where disability is caused by a society and environment with physical, attitudinal, communication and social barriers. It’s our responsibility to make sure our venue, Fringe Common Rooms, reduces these barriers to enable full participation by all people.

Trades Hall Access

Since its recent renovation, Trades Hall is now accessible through the Lygon Street entrance, with DDA compliant and gender-neutral bathrooms and lift access inside. Fringe Common Rooms is also accessible for performers with a portable wheelchair lift to make the stage accessible. Read more about hiring Fringe Common Rooms for your show, gig or function on our Venue Hire page,

Getting to Trades Hall
Search and Filter for Maximum Accessibility

You can search and filter for all access information on our website to find the events and information that meet your access needs.

Search Events Here
Accessible Event Descriptions

Need accessible versions of event descriptions?  Please call 03 9660 9600, using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or email info@melbournefringe.com.au.

Auslan Interpreting

Where this symbol is displayed, one or more sessions will be Auslan interpreted. Check the ‘Accessibility’ section on each event page for dates of Auslan interpreted sessions.

If you would like more information, please email info@melbournefringe.com.au.

Assistive Listening

There is a hearing loop available at the venue for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Audio Description

This service enhances the live event experience for people who are blind or have low vision. An audio describer uses a small transmitter to describe what is happening in an event or how something looks at an exhibition. People using this service use a personal listening device enabling them to experience the event from anywhere in the space. Check the ‘Accessibility’ section on each event page for dates of audio described performances.

Relaxed Performance

These performances are open to everyone but have been specifically designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for people who would benefit from a more relaxed environment – this could include people with autism, sensory sensitivities and/or learning disabilities, as well as those living with anxiety or who have experienced trauma. Check the ‘Accessibility’ section on each event page for dates of relaxed performances.

Captioned Performance

For these performances, captions are displayed on a screen enabling the audience to read what is being said. Open Captioning is always in view and cannot be turned off. Closed Captioning can be activated or deactivated by the viewer. Check the ‘Accessibility’ section on each event page for dates of captioned performances.

Language no Barrier

This symbol indicates that audiences can understand and engage with the event without a comprehensive understanding of the English language.

Visual Ratings

If you are Deaf or hard of hearing, or if English isn’t your primary spoken language, this three-tiered rating system will help you decide if an event is suitable for you.

  • Visual Rating 100% – these events contain no music or dialogue
  • Visual Rating 75% – these events may be fully subtitled or have minimal dialogue and have some background music or sounds.
  • Visual Rating 50% – these events are partly subtitled or include dialogue and have background music or sounds.
Booking Tickets

Booking tickets is easy. You can book your tickets here or by calling Ticketing on 03 9660 9666. You can discuss any specific access needs by calling Ticketing on 03 9660 9666 or emailing boxoffice@melbournefringe.com.au.

If you need to, you can reach the Ticketing team through the National Relay Service at no additional charge.

  • TTY users: phone 13 36 77 then ask for 03 9660 9666
  • Speak and Listen users: phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9660 9666
  • Internet relay users: connect to the NRS (internet-relay.nrscall.gov.au) then type in 03 9660 9666
Companion & Carer Cards

If you have a Companion Card, you qualify for a second ticket (free!) to bring along a companion. If you have a Carer Card, you qualify for a concession-priced ticket. To book, please call Ticketing on 03 9660 9666 or email boxoffice@melbournefringe.com.au.

 

Guide Dogs and Service Animals

Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome at Fringe Common Rooms.

Accessibility Partner

Arts Access Victoria (AAV) is Melbourne Fringe’s accessibility partner. AAV is dedicated to an ambitious agenda of social and artistic transformation for people with disability, the communities in which they live and the arts sector in which they aspire to participate without barriers. For more information, visit artsaccess.com.au.

Some performances have strobe or flash lights. This will be advertised on each event’s online listing and at the door at the venue. If you are sensitive to light, we encourage you to take precaution when seeing these shows.

Melbourne Fringe makes every effort to ensure that our accessibility information is correct. Please get in touch with us if you spot a mistake, or if you have any suggestions or feedback, call us on 03 9660 9600 or email info@melbournefringe.com.au.